Books Are Meant to Be Discussed, Not Banned Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Last summer, I served on the jury of my first murder trial. We heard all kinds of griping testimony, viewed extensive forensic evidence, and witnessed dramatic outbursts from the defense lawyer, […]
student engagement
Posted inOpinion
Could AI Finally Kill Homework?
It may feel as though the world is changing faster than ever, and that is because it is. “An analysis of the history of technology shows that technological change is exponential. So, we will not experience 100 years of progress in the 21st century — it will be more like 20,000 years of progress (at […]
Posted inPedagogy
Ready to Launch Incredible Interest-Based Mentorships at Your School? Here’s How
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! National Mentoring Month, which concluded last week, is always a great opportunity for educators to consider how to tap into the power of mentorship, and in particular interest-based mentoring, which I’ve seen transform the lives of so many young people. […]
Posted inPedagogy
“Let’s Make This Happen”: Following Student Interests to Interest-Based Mentorships
Nothing is more exciting than helping a child find their passion – but are the adults ready? Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! In twenty years of helping children, families, and schools harness the power of interest-based mentoring, I’ve seen how it provides transformative educational experiences. Along the way, I’ve […]
Posted inOpinion
The Secret Lives of Young People
How Interest-Based Mentorships Can Transform Education Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Late in the spring of my first year teaching, we paused academic classes and bussed over to an auditorium for something called a “Mentorship Festival.” I had little idea what to expect. At […]
Posted inPedagogy
Use the World Cup to Score Higher Engagement with Middle Schoolers
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Studies have shown over and over again that students learn best when they find the content relevant and engaging. Lately, I’ve found my middle school students to be super engaged with the World Cup. Rather than repeating, “Guys, please […]
Posted inPedagogy
Combine the World Cup and Learning in Your Elementary Classroom
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Students have been buzzing in my fourth-grade class since the World Cup began on November 20. It was evident this was an event they were interested in, but knowing very little about soccer, I was unsure how I could share […]
Posted inPedagogy
Co-Create a Student Contract with Eight Questions
Voices off and eyes on me, in three, in two, and one. The class expectation is 100% engagement while the teacher gives the ‘stand and deliver’ routine for an hour. G is taking notes in her binder. And she is one of three students who’s raising her hand and adding insight to the conversation. She […]